Taking the Jumping Bridge Loop

By Mike Steely East Tennessee is rich with large attractions known nationwide yet there are some almost hidden places that draw local citizens looking to have an unofficial outing and family fun. Most of these places are fairly unknown outside the local rural...

Following Dr. Thomas Walker

By Mike Steely When explorer Dr. Thomas Walker entered the territory outside Colonial America in 1750 and crossed the mountains he eventually passed through what the Cherokee called “Ouasioto” which meant “mountain gap.” Walker, on his way into what was to become...

Places I have not been yet

By Mike Steely Our region is a fantastic area to get out and take the family to visit places that are free or almost free. In my past “Day Away” columns, I’ve written about many of those places and you can review most of them on www.knoxfocus.com by selecting “Steely”...

Revisiting Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park

By Mike Steely   Last year my wife and I discovered the Storybook Trail at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park and, since we bought a new camper trailer, we decided to go again to try out the campground, explore the rest of the park and take a side trip to...

Taking the Ozone Loop

By Mike Steely Our region is a haven for waterfalls and a few of the cascades are conveniently located very near a highway for easy viewing. Bald River Falls south of Townsend is one of those beautiful and natural attractions right beside the road. There’s another...